<P>SPEECH BY PRESIDENT PHILIP MEAD
<P>East Potomac Memorial Park, January 18th 2049
<P>
<P>We cannot forget the 2030s. The cataclysmic events that led to the displacement of the American West Coast led to the worst economic crisis the country had faced in over 100 years. Widescale bankruptcy and federal attention to the areas affected by the disaster led to a political crisis, as other states began to feel they were being neglected in the face of the new situation. The states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming declared their secession from the Union - ignited by Utah's initiative, based on the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
<P>
<P>Their efforts, however, were without popular support and soon it became clear to everyone in the world, that a civil war had broken out. Internal stability seemed to be only temporary, and the long-term external effects soon were quickly brought into light, as the degenerated Mexican central government attacked Texas - basing their cowardice on lies. No nation of pride and integrity would wait two centuries to kick someone who has been their friend for most of this time, especially when he's already down.
<P>
<P>In the past few years, Mexico has looked for international support for its agenda based on lies. The most ardent rumors state that Russia - a nation already divided into several sub-states with varying degrees of functionality, legality and overall effectiveness - might be interested in aiding the Mexicans in their attempts. The free world holds its breath over what might happen next.
<P>
<P>With no end in sight to the catastrophe the United States has had to face since the 2030s, many of the world's eyes have been drawn upon conflicts in Europe. The traditional capital of Germany, Berlin, has once again become its own unique zone, attempting to further seclude itself from the rest of the world - despite calling itself the International City. Some states, such as China, Nigeria and Brazil have succeeded in enhancing their stability and influence in the world. 
<P>
<P>But even as other nations have managed to gain temporary headway in their race to the top, let this park stand as a memory to a cause which will enable true integrity. Let's call it a cause that people need to rediscover within themselves to once again reach their quest for the common good. A cause that cannot be sunk by geological calamities or political despondency.
<P>
<P>An American cause: Liberty.